The Main chance

41

Marler had landed his plane earlier, risking flying down through the mist, parking it on the small private airfield hidden behind the cottages.

For some time he had lain full length on the sloping roof on the inland side of Marshal's cottage. He had summed up the critical situation and for some time his Armalite had rested, out of sight on the rooftop.

He had heard every word in the oppressive silence hanging over the beach. His cross-hairs had had Lavinia's profile for the whole period. He had realized Tweed was extracting as much confirmation from Lavinia as he could, that he was desperately but skilfully keeping her talking.

When he heard her last remark, saw her level the shotgun, he pressed the trigger. He was using an explosive bullet.